1-1, Champions League, Allianz Arena, 11 March 2014
Podolski 57
Even though the game was more or less already decided due to the result of the first clash, we did go out in the right way with this display, even though it obviously wasn't enough.
Bayern Munich were solid throughout the game, posing constant threats to our defense while we looked to grab a goal (or two) ourselves. Schweinsteiger had a shot on target within the first five minutes, but it was comfortably dealt with by Fabianski, standing in as 'keeper due to Szczesny's red card in the previous game.
The main man going forward for us was, unexpectedly, Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Ox has been in immaculate form recently and will certainly prove important for the league run-in and the FA Cup semi-final (and hopefully final). The first we got to see of him in this game was as he surged forward, resulting in a defender bringing him down harshly, which, in turn, led to a free-kick and booking.
Bayern Munich did score in the first half, fortunately it was a clear offside and the goal was not given. Mere minutes later the Ox surged forward again with an astounding solo run, containing plenty of dribbling in order to get past the defenders, but he was eventually felled and a free-kick was given. That free-kick was taken by Cazorla and hit the wall, and in the resulting corner Giroud got a header on target, but it was saved by Neuer.
The half was concluded with a brilliant save by Fabianski as Götze fired a fast-paced shot on target.
At the start of the second half Robben fell easily in the box, shouting for a penalty, but nothing was given. Unfortunately it only took about four minutes after that penalty-shout before they actually got the lead, which inevitably ended much of whatever hope that was left for us. The space in front of the goal completely opened up for Schweinsteiger, leaving Fabianski quite helpless.
Somehow that seemed to ignite a spark within (or maybe it was just pure luck) but two minutes after that goal we grabbed one ourselves! And once again it was a German player who scored it! Lukas Podolski smashed the ball into the back of the net after winning the ball from Lahm! That goal did give us some hope, however futile, and the following minute the Ox had a shot on target, from outside the box, saved by Neuer.
But Fabianski had to remain vigilant till the very end, however unfortunate that was for us. Robben had an effort that he had to save with fifteen minutes to go, and then during the added time he had to face a penalty! Robben was brought down in the box and the ref gave the penalty this time around. Müller stepped up to take the penalty, but Fabianski produced an amazing save, somehow leaving the ball spinning on the goal-line to his left! So he threw himself back across the goal and poked it clear before any on-rushing Munich player could teach it! Astounding goalkeeping!
But going into this game we knew that goalkeeping alone would not save us, and we have to face being eliminated in the first knock-out stage yet again. It is quite disappointing, obviously, but not altogether unexpected and all we can do now is be sure to bring home the FA Cup trophy and have a decent finish to the league.
Showing posts with label CL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CL. Show all posts
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich
0-2, Champions League, Emirates Stadium, 19 February 2014
What started out as a promising and lively game from both sides, a truly wonderful game from a neutral point of view, was spoiled before the end of the first half by a rash decision from the referee. Immensely disappointing.
The start of the first half was brilliant, from both sides. Szczesny had to make a great save in the initial minutes as Kroos fired towards the top corner. On the other end Sanogo, who got to start this game, created a few great chances himself. The most remarkable of which was a sizzling shot that forced a great save out of Neuer.
Cazorla had a decent chance as well not long after, but his shot went straight at the 'keeper. Then the moment came where we could have turned the game in our favour, Özil was brought down in the box and we were awarded with a penalty. He took it himself, but to our despair it was saved by Neuer, Özil attempted to wait the 'keeper out, but it did not work out that way and we squandered the one chance we could not afford to squander.
After that Bayern Munich got back in it, and Flamini had to make a block as Alaba had a shot following a corner. Throughout the game the Frenchman was brilliant, not only as a defensive midfielder but also as the one player urging the team on when things got tougher. As a result of some decent play around the box twenty minutes into the half Flamini also had a shot, unfortunately it went over the bar.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is in brilliant form at the moment, came inches from reaching the ball in a race with the 'keeper as Sanogo won the ball in the middle, but Neuer got to it first, by no large marginal, and swooped it clear. Ten minutes later Gibbs picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Monreal, the first in a series of poor things that were to shape the game for us.
As the half was approaching its end our defence kept up the hard work and Mertesacker made a vital block as Robben fired a shot away from inside the box. Then the true disaster of the game struck as Szczesny accidentally brought Robben down in an attempt to get the ball, and was quite unbelievably shown a red card for it. In that moment, the ref single-handedly killed the game. Cazorla had to go off and Fabianski was brought on to face the penalty. Even though Alaba hit the post and there was some momentary joy amidst the despair, the game was settled the moment we knew that we would be down to ten men for the rest of the game, and it was the home game as well.
The second half turned out as expected, Bayern Munich dominated possession while our team had to defend valiantly, which they did. Sadly it was not enough, and for all the saves that Fabianski produced and all the blocks and dedicated defending of the team two goals slipped in, an unstoppable shot from Kroos and a header from Müller. This gives us a pretty bleak chance of qualifying, yet anything can happen. It's a real shame, though, as it felt as though we were definitely up for the task when it was 11 against 11...
What started out as a promising and lively game from both sides, a truly wonderful game from a neutral point of view, was spoiled before the end of the first half by a rash decision from the referee. Immensely disappointing.
The start of the first half was brilliant, from both sides. Szczesny had to make a great save in the initial minutes as Kroos fired towards the top corner. On the other end Sanogo, who got to start this game, created a few great chances himself. The most remarkable of which was a sizzling shot that forced a great save out of Neuer.
Cazorla had a decent chance as well not long after, but his shot went straight at the 'keeper. Then the moment came where we could have turned the game in our favour, Özil was brought down in the box and we were awarded with a penalty. He took it himself, but to our despair it was saved by Neuer, Özil attempted to wait the 'keeper out, but it did not work out that way and we squandered the one chance we could not afford to squander.
After that Bayern Munich got back in it, and Flamini had to make a block as Alaba had a shot following a corner. Throughout the game the Frenchman was brilliant, not only as a defensive midfielder but also as the one player urging the team on when things got tougher. As a result of some decent play around the box twenty minutes into the half Flamini also had a shot, unfortunately it went over the bar.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is in brilliant form at the moment, came inches from reaching the ball in a race with the 'keeper as Sanogo won the ball in the middle, but Neuer got to it first, by no large marginal, and swooped it clear. Ten minutes later Gibbs picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Monreal, the first in a series of poor things that were to shape the game for us.
As the half was approaching its end our defence kept up the hard work and Mertesacker made a vital block as Robben fired a shot away from inside the box. Then the true disaster of the game struck as Szczesny accidentally brought Robben down in an attempt to get the ball, and was quite unbelievably shown a red card for it. In that moment, the ref single-handedly killed the game. Cazorla had to go off and Fabianski was brought on to face the penalty. Even though Alaba hit the post and there was some momentary joy amidst the despair, the game was settled the moment we knew that we would be down to ten men for the rest of the game, and it was the home game as well.
The second half turned out as expected, Bayern Munich dominated possession while our team had to defend valiantly, which they did. Sadly it was not enough, and for all the saves that Fabianski produced and all the blocks and dedicated defending of the team two goals slipped in, an unstoppable shot from Kroos and a header from Müller. This gives us a pretty bleak chance of qualifying, yet anything can happen. It's a real shame, though, as it felt as though we were definitely up for the task when it was 11 against 11...
Monday, December 16, 2013
Champions League Last 16 Draw
We have been drawn against the same team we were drawn against last year, that is Bayern Munich. Needless to say it is one of the toughest (if not the toughest) opponent we could have gotten, but nevertheless there is hope, considering the away game last year and more particularly our autumn. The home game will be played on February 19, and the away game on March 11.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Napoli vs. Arsenal
2-0, Champions League, San Paolo Stadium, 11 December 2013
Ahead of this game, we knew that we were more or less guaranteed to qualify, the question was whether we would finish as runners-up or top of the group. However, at the end of the game we were closer to ending up as neither than we would have liked...
All in all, the game consisted of few clear-cut chances. Ten minutes into the first half Szczesny made a decent save from a shot on target while Giroud's effort on target was saved at the other end. Then Napoli had a shot over the bar and that was pretty much it for the first half.
In the second half things got a bit more interesting, though from our side it was not in a good way. Napoli fired wide before taking the lead as Higuain fired past Szczesny. With fifteen minutes to go Arteta was shown off the field as he received a second yellow card (meaning that he will miss the first game of the knock-out stages) and in the very last minute Napoli scored again, this time through Callejón.
Fortunately for us, they would have needed to win with at least 3-0 in order to qualify, so we made by the smallest possible margin, one goal. We did, however, lose the top spot to Dortmund, meaning that in the ensuing knock-out stages we will face one of the following teams: Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid or Barcelona. I think it goes without saying which team we would prefer and what teams we wouldn't.
Ahead of this game, we knew that we were more or less guaranteed to qualify, the question was whether we would finish as runners-up or top of the group. However, at the end of the game we were closer to ending up as neither than we would have liked...
All in all, the game consisted of few clear-cut chances. Ten minutes into the first half Szczesny made a decent save from a shot on target while Giroud's effort on target was saved at the other end. Then Napoli had a shot over the bar and that was pretty much it for the first half.
In the second half things got a bit more interesting, though from our side it was not in a good way. Napoli fired wide before taking the lead as Higuain fired past Szczesny. With fifteen minutes to go Arteta was shown off the field as he received a second yellow card (meaning that he will miss the first game of the knock-out stages) and in the very last minute Napoli scored again, this time through Callejón.
Fortunately for us, they would have needed to win with at least 3-0 in order to qualify, so we made by the smallest possible margin, one goal. We did, however, lose the top spot to Dortmund, meaning that in the ensuing knock-out stages we will face one of the following teams: Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid or Barcelona. I think it goes without saying which team we would prefer and what teams we wouldn't.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Arsenal vs. Marseille
2-0, Champions League, Emirates Stadium, 26 November 2013
Wilshere 1, 65
This game was more or less a "must-win" if we were to have any hope of qualifying, and fortunately there was never any doubt as to whether we would make it or not!
Not even 30 seconds into the game, but 29 seconds, we had our lead. Jack Wilshere was released down the right-hand side, made his way into the box, got past the defender with a quick turn and put the ball into the back of the net with an exquisite shot! Simply just stunning and it left us feeling quite comfortable for the remainder of the game! We almost increased the lead a few minutes later, though, as Giroud passed the ball to Wilshere, who played it in for Ramsey in the middle of the box to finish the move off, but the 'keeper pulled off an amazing save.
Szczesny had to showcase some of his goalkeeping skills, even though we were, indeed, quite comfortably in control of the game. The Polish 'keeper prevented Gignac from getting an opportunity to score by making a quick and early interception.
Towards the end of the half we were awarded with a penalty, unfortunately it was a wrong decision from the referee, since Ramsey was just outside of the 18-yard-box when he was brought down while making a neat and quick turn. Maybe it was fair, then, that Özil's penalty was saved by the 'keeper. However, it was a remarkably poor penalty, lacking in pace and placing.
In the second half we continued stacking up chances, Giroud had a shot deflected inches wide of the post while Özil got in a brilliant position to score, but the 'keeper made the save. Giroud then had another chance as a high ball into the box ended up behind him and he had to make a quick turn, unfortunately it was not quick enough as the 'keeper got to it right before him.
Two minutes later, however, we did score. And once again it was a certain young Englishman who did the deed. Ramsey provided an excellent pass to Özil, matching the German's run into the box, who passed it on to Jack Wilshere, who finished the move off with a confident strike!
Marseille did create a couple of more chances, though, before the end of the game. Monreal had to clear the ball off the line with fifteen minutes to go and mere minutes later Szczesny pulled off an amazing save, getting down fast to keep the ball clear of the line.
These three, vital points takes us one step closer to qualification, with only one more game to go!
Wilshere 1, 65
This game was more or less a "must-win" if we were to have any hope of qualifying, and fortunately there was never any doubt as to whether we would make it or not!
Not even 30 seconds into the game, but 29 seconds, we had our lead. Jack Wilshere was released down the right-hand side, made his way into the box, got past the defender with a quick turn and put the ball into the back of the net with an exquisite shot! Simply just stunning and it left us feeling quite comfortable for the remainder of the game! We almost increased the lead a few minutes later, though, as Giroud passed the ball to Wilshere, who played it in for Ramsey in the middle of the box to finish the move off, but the 'keeper pulled off an amazing save.
Szczesny had to showcase some of his goalkeeping skills, even though we were, indeed, quite comfortably in control of the game. The Polish 'keeper prevented Gignac from getting an opportunity to score by making a quick and early interception.
Towards the end of the half we were awarded with a penalty, unfortunately it was a wrong decision from the referee, since Ramsey was just outside of the 18-yard-box when he was brought down while making a neat and quick turn. Maybe it was fair, then, that Özil's penalty was saved by the 'keeper. However, it was a remarkably poor penalty, lacking in pace and placing.
In the second half we continued stacking up chances, Giroud had a shot deflected inches wide of the post while Özil got in a brilliant position to score, but the 'keeper made the save. Giroud then had another chance as a high ball into the box ended up behind him and he had to make a quick turn, unfortunately it was not quick enough as the 'keeper got to it right before him.
Two minutes later, however, we did score. And once again it was a certain young Englishman who did the deed. Ramsey provided an excellent pass to Özil, matching the German's run into the box, who passed it on to Jack Wilshere, who finished the move off with a confident strike!
Marseille did create a couple of more chances, though, before the end of the game. Monreal had to clear the ball off the line with fifteen minutes to go and mere minutes later Szczesny pulled off an amazing save, getting down fast to keep the ball clear of the line.
These three, vital points takes us one step closer to qualification, with only one more game to go!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Borussia Dortmund vs. Arsenal
0-1, Champions League, BVB Stadion, 06 November 2013
Ramsey 62
There are plenty of moments in football that aren't fair. The result a couple of weeks ago at the Emirates was certainly not fair. Judging from the first half and the first part of the second half of this game this result was not fair. But summarising these two clashes, things ended fairly. Makes sense, right?
We were desperately poor in the first half. To sum it up in a sentence: we did not have a single goal during the entire half. Not a single chance to score for an entire half. Can't remember ever experiencing that with the Arsenal before. Hardly five minutes into the game Mertesacker had to clear the ball inches from the goal-line as Lewandowski got close. Dortmund then had a shot through Subotic just wide of the goal before seeing yet another shot going wide. Before the end of the half Dortmund had time for two more goals going wide, one where we got extremely lucky as our defence opened up completely and then Lewandowski had another chance as his shot from outside the 18-yard-box went wide.
The second half started much like the first, with a shot over the bar from Dortmund right before Szczesny was forced into making a brilliant save from a shot and the rebound found Reus who scored, fortunately it was from an off-side position!
Then came the unlikely goal. The goalscorer, however, was not very unlikely. Aaron Ramsey's close-range header, the first chance for us of the game, found the back of the net following a decent cross by Özil, which was headed on by Giroud to the Welsh goalscoring-machine, who threw his head forward onto the ball to get it past the 'keeper! It has been said before, but it bears saying again, who would have thought a couple of seasons ago that Ramsey would be our top goalscorer with so many decisive goals so far this season...?!
Needless to say this spurred a response from Dortmund, who started going even more forward and they got really close shortly after our goal with a cross that went across the goal, inches away from finding one of several Dortmund players in the box. As a result of this new surge from Dortmund, their half of the pitch opened up for us and we could get a couple of more chances. Ramsey's shot from close range was saved by the 'keeper and from the resulting corner Giroud's effort was saved on the goal-line, while the following cross was inches away from being met by Mertesacker.
As we pushed forward ourselves, Dortmund got chances of counter-attacks and they got close in the resulting one from the cross that Mertesacker almost met, fortunately we cleared it right before the Dortmund player fired. With twenty minutes to go it was 12 - 2 to Dortmund in chances (although the majority of them were off-target), this was announced seconds before Mertesacker headed a free-kick just above the goal, though.
With fifteen minutes left of the game Monreal came on for Cazorla to add some stability to our defence, which would prove necessary as Koscielny was completely mangled by the Dortmund 'keeper right after heading Özil's free-kick wide. We should definitely have been awarded with a penalty for that poor goalkeeping, but all that we were left with was for, some time, be reduced to ten men as Koscielny had to get some treatment. We did not concede without him, though, and ten minutes later Gibbs made an important block to deny Dortmund.
Dortmund's final chance came through Lewandowski, who headed a corner over Szczesny and the goal. In the final minutes Bendtner and Vermaelen were introduced and Özil managed to piss off the entire Dortmund team by gaining both throw-ins and a free-kick by their corner flag!
So with this result we redeemed ourselves for the home game a couple of weeks ago, something that was quite necessary. We are now back at the top of the group, with the same amount of points as Napoli (= 9 pts) but a better goal-difference (3 against Napoli's 1). Hence, the Napoli game in a couple of weeks will be quite decisive then! But now it is time to recharge the batteries for the (presumably) epic clash against Manchester United on Sunday!
Injury Update:
- Wilshere missed out on this game as well due to a minor ankle problem.
- Gibbs started this game, recovering from a slight problem picked up at the end of the Liverpool game.
Ramsey 62
There are plenty of moments in football that aren't fair. The result a couple of weeks ago at the Emirates was certainly not fair. Judging from the first half and the first part of the second half of this game this result was not fair. But summarising these two clashes, things ended fairly. Makes sense, right?
We were desperately poor in the first half. To sum it up in a sentence: we did not have a single goal during the entire half. Not a single chance to score for an entire half. Can't remember ever experiencing that with the Arsenal before. Hardly five minutes into the game Mertesacker had to clear the ball inches from the goal-line as Lewandowski got close. Dortmund then had a shot through Subotic just wide of the goal before seeing yet another shot going wide. Before the end of the half Dortmund had time for two more goals going wide, one where we got extremely lucky as our defence opened up completely and then Lewandowski had another chance as his shot from outside the 18-yard-box went wide.
The second half started much like the first, with a shot over the bar from Dortmund right before Szczesny was forced into making a brilliant save from a shot and the rebound found Reus who scored, fortunately it was from an off-side position!
Then came the unlikely goal. The goalscorer, however, was not very unlikely. Aaron Ramsey's close-range header, the first chance for us of the game, found the back of the net following a decent cross by Özil, which was headed on by Giroud to the Welsh goalscoring-machine, who threw his head forward onto the ball to get it past the 'keeper! It has been said before, but it bears saying again, who would have thought a couple of seasons ago that Ramsey would be our top goalscorer with so many decisive goals so far this season...?!
Needless to say this spurred a response from Dortmund, who started going even more forward and they got really close shortly after our goal with a cross that went across the goal, inches away from finding one of several Dortmund players in the box. As a result of this new surge from Dortmund, their half of the pitch opened up for us and we could get a couple of more chances. Ramsey's shot from close range was saved by the 'keeper and from the resulting corner Giroud's effort was saved on the goal-line, while the following cross was inches away from being met by Mertesacker.
As we pushed forward ourselves, Dortmund got chances of counter-attacks and they got close in the resulting one from the cross that Mertesacker almost met, fortunately we cleared it right before the Dortmund player fired. With twenty minutes to go it was 12 - 2 to Dortmund in chances (although the majority of them were off-target), this was announced seconds before Mertesacker headed a free-kick just above the goal, though.
With fifteen minutes left of the game Monreal came on for Cazorla to add some stability to our defence, which would prove necessary as Koscielny was completely mangled by the Dortmund 'keeper right after heading Özil's free-kick wide. We should definitely have been awarded with a penalty for that poor goalkeeping, but all that we were left with was for, some time, be reduced to ten men as Koscielny had to get some treatment. We did not concede without him, though, and ten minutes later Gibbs made an important block to deny Dortmund.
Dortmund's final chance came through Lewandowski, who headed a corner over Szczesny and the goal. In the final minutes Bendtner and Vermaelen were introduced and Özil managed to piss off the entire Dortmund team by gaining both throw-ins and a free-kick by their corner flag!
So with this result we redeemed ourselves for the home game a couple of weeks ago, something that was quite necessary. We are now back at the top of the group, with the same amount of points as Napoli (= 9 pts) but a better goal-difference (3 against Napoli's 1). Hence, the Napoli game in a couple of weeks will be quite decisive then! But now it is time to recharge the batteries for the (presumably) epic clash against Manchester United on Sunday!
Injury Update:
- Wilshere missed out on this game as well due to a minor ankle problem.
- Gibbs started this game, recovering from a slight problem picked up at the end of the Liverpool game.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Arsenal vs. Borussia Dortmund
1-2, Champions League, Emirates Stadium, 22 October 2013
Giroud 41
This is our first loss since the very first game of the season, and I cannot say that I have missed this bitter feeling... We did by no means deserve to lose this game, especially in the fashion of a late, second-half goal following a spell of where we completely dominated the play...
We started the game as we ended it, behind. Dortmund scored fifteen minutes into the game as Ramsey lost possession at the edge of the 18-yard-box and Mkhitaryan's shot was place out of Szczesny's reach, being buried by the post. Our response to this came quite late, and just before the actual equaliser Rosicky had a shot saved on the goal-line by a defender. Our only goal of the game came right at the end of the half as Ramsey got the ball to Sagna, whose cross created some confusion between 'keeper and defender, so Olivier Giroud intercepted and put the ball into the back of the net!
Overall, the game contained through decent chances to score. The second half was no exception, but we upped our game in it to be in brilliant control of the play to create some more chances. Cazorla hit the bar at one point in the half with a beautifully curved shot, and a while later he almost reached the ball in the box before the 'keeper got to it.
Then disaster struck in the last ten minutes as Lewandowski scored the winning goal for Dortmund. We lost track of him in the box, which proved costly and we certainly should not have lost this game considering how we played in the second half, it was sloppy.
Even though it is immensely disappointing to have lost this game, we have to acknowledge that we do still have a good chance of qualifying for the knock-out rounds. This group stage is by no means over.
Injury Update:
- Wilshere appeared to pick up some kind of problem in this game and had to be replaced.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Arsenal vs. Napoli
2-0, Champions League, Emirates Stadium, 01 October 2013
Özil 8,
Giroud 15
The first half was one of the best halves I've seen us play in a long time, and that's saying something considering our recent run! Within the first fifteen minutes we had completed 100 passes, compared to Napoli's 24 and had had 70% of the possession. Add to that two goals and you could say that we were the better team.
We went ahead eight minutes into the game, and stayed ahead for the rest of the game. Giroud made a cheeky back-heel to get the ball to Ramsey, who created the perfect pass to Mesut Özil. The German play-maker only needed one touch to place his shot out of Reina's reach and thus score his first goal for Arsenal! He has already had an amazing start to his time here, and now he can add a goal to all those assists! He continued providing assists in this game as well, though, as he got around the defence to cut the ball back for Olivier Giroud to tap into the back of the net from close range!
Napoli got quite close to scoring once this half as we had a lapse of focus in the box and Britos was left unmarked during a corner, fortunately his header went wide. Over-all, however, we were great at defending as a team, completely ruling the midfield by winning the ball back quickly whenever we lost it. Szczesny only had to make one save this half, the threat coming in the shape of a daisy-cutter.
Needless to say Ramsey created lots of chances in this game as well. Before the end of the half he had two shots blocked by defenders and, after showing some slick moves to shake off a defender with a quick turn, he had a shot deflected wide.
The second half was more or less all about maintaining the result and thus ensuring the three points. Rosicky almost made it 3-0, though, in the very first minute of the half as he got into a brilliant position right in front of the goal. Unfortunately he missed the ball as Giroud got it towards him. With fifteen minutes to go we had another decent chance of another goal as Özil's cross reached Arteta's head, who played it on to Koscielny, whose effort was saved by Reina.
This win means that we are currently top of the group! Needless to say there is plenty more points to play for and we will need more of them to ensure qualification, but we are off to a good start!
Injury Update:
- Rosicky returned back from injury to start in this game!
Özil 8,
Giroud 15
The first half was one of the best halves I've seen us play in a long time, and that's saying something considering our recent run! Within the first fifteen minutes we had completed 100 passes, compared to Napoli's 24 and had had 70% of the possession. Add to that two goals and you could say that we were the better team.
We went ahead eight minutes into the game, and stayed ahead for the rest of the game. Giroud made a cheeky back-heel to get the ball to Ramsey, who created the perfect pass to Mesut Özil. The German play-maker only needed one touch to place his shot out of Reina's reach and thus score his first goal for Arsenal! He has already had an amazing start to his time here, and now he can add a goal to all those assists! He continued providing assists in this game as well, though, as he got around the defence to cut the ball back for Olivier Giroud to tap into the back of the net from close range!
Napoli got quite close to scoring once this half as we had a lapse of focus in the box and Britos was left unmarked during a corner, fortunately his header went wide. Over-all, however, we were great at defending as a team, completely ruling the midfield by winning the ball back quickly whenever we lost it. Szczesny only had to make one save this half, the threat coming in the shape of a daisy-cutter.
Needless to say Ramsey created lots of chances in this game as well. Before the end of the half he had two shots blocked by defenders and, after showing some slick moves to shake off a defender with a quick turn, he had a shot deflected wide.
The second half was more or less all about maintaining the result and thus ensuring the three points. Rosicky almost made it 3-0, though, in the very first minute of the half as he got into a brilliant position right in front of the goal. Unfortunately he missed the ball as Giroud got it towards him. With fifteen minutes to go we had another decent chance of another goal as Özil's cross reached Arteta's head, who played it on to Koscielny, whose effort was saved by Reina.
This win means that we are currently top of the group! Needless to say there is plenty more points to play for and we will need more of them to ensure qualification, but we are off to a good start!
Injury Update:
- Rosicky returned back from injury to start in this game!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Marseille vs. Arsenal
1-2, Champions League, Stade Velodrome, 18.09.2013
Walcott 65,
Ramsey 84
At last the Champions League has kicked off well and truly with the first match of the group stage now completed! Getting an away win in the very first game certainly puts us in a brilliant position to qualify, but there is still many games to be played, meaning many points to play for.
Injury Update:
- Mertesacker was back in the starting XI this evening, recovering from a previous illness.
Walcott 65,
Ramsey 84
At last the Champions League has kicked off well and truly with the first match of the group stage now completed! Getting an away win in the very first game certainly puts us in a brilliant position to qualify, but there is still many games to be played, meaning many points to play for.
The game started with Walcott getting a couple of chances, his header was cleared by a defender and he had a shot saved by the Marseille 'keeper Mandanda. Marseille had a couple of chances themselves, Szczesny was called into action early, making a comfortable save, and later on in the game Ayew headed the ball wide for the home side.
In general, the first half was quite tight with no team creating particularly clear chances. Towards the end of the half Ramsey got a shot away, but it was cleared by a defender. The very last chance of the half, however, went to Marseille. Fortunately for us, Mertesacker was there to make the vital clearance right in front of the goal-line!
Right at the start of the second half Marseille got inches away from scoring again, this time through a slightly wide shot from Fanni. From that moment on, however, our domination became a fact. Özil's cross was cleared by a defender instead of reaching the intended target right in front of the goal, Walcott. The German midfielder would almost create another goal minutes later, as Gibbs passed the ball to him in the box, continued his run and received a clever back-heel back from Özil, only to have the shot saved by Mandanda.
On the other side of the pitch Szczesny had to remain vary, and did well to prevent a low, powerful shot from reaching the back of the net. Minutes later Gibbs headed the ball clear right on the goal-line as Mertesacker and Szczesny had a misunderstanding, the Polish 'keeper caught the header from Gibbs, though.
Nevertheless, one could tell that we were getting closer and closer to a goal. Sagna found Wilshere with a brilliant cross and the Englishman did get a decent shot away, but Mandanda made yet another save. We did find a way past the Marseille 'keeper eventually, and got the long over-due lead. Gibbs created a great cross that found its way to Theo Walcott, who fired on the volley with a brilliant strike past the 'keeper!
After the goal the game opened up considerably, with chances for both teams. Szczesny had to continue making good saves, one particularly dangerous shot came from outside the 18-yard-box with approximately twenty minutes to go. Then Giroud saw a powerful header go wide while Valbuena fired a shot over the bar the following minute. Özil also fired wide, from quite a steep angle.
The game was more or less over, though, when a certain Welsh midfielder scored yet another goal for us this season, granting us the 2-0 lead. Aaron Ramsey put on a brilliant solo effort, shrugging off Marseille players as he advanced towards the goal to fire into the back of the net! He has certainly been the centre of attention recently, and for good reason, proving to be the talent Wenger always saw in him!
However, right before the end of the game Marseille got a penalty as Ramsey brought a player down in the box. The replay showed that the midfielder got to the ball first, but this was not noticed by the ref and Ayew scored from the penalty spot.
Although the very last action of the game was a bit bitter, it does not remove the relief and importance of getting the three points away from home. We have a tough group and will need all the points we can get to qualify!
Injury Update:
- Mertesacker was back in the starting XI this evening, recovering from a previous illness.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Champions League Group Draw
For the 13/14 Champions League group stage we have been drawn in group F, along with Marseille, Dortmund and Napoli. Hence, we will be facing teams from France, Germany and Italy. Needless to say, it's a tough group. However, we definitely have a good chance of qualifying if we play like we have been playing recently!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Arsenal vs. Fenerbahce
2-0, Champions League, Emirates Stadium, 27.08.2013
Ramsey 25, 72
This was a fairly comfortable win, especially considering the fact that we had the 3-0 win from the previous game.
We took the lead almost half an hour into the game through Aaron Ramsey, who has been brilliant in recent games! Podolski produced a brilliant pass for the Welshman to fire past the 'keeper! Giroud had a couple of chances as well before the first half was over but we had to settle for a one goal lead going into half time.
Early on in the second half Podolski was stretchered off with a hamstring injury and is expected to be out for quite some time. Walcott fired a free-kick onto the crossbar before Aaron Ramsey was at it again, doubling our lead through a classy strike following a brilliant cross by Gibbs. Miyachi was introduced towards the end and showed some quick feet and good passes before the game was over!
So with this we made it into the group stage, as we have consistently for many years, of the Champions League!
Injury Update:
- Koscielny was fit enough to start on the bench for this game.
Ramsey 25, 72
This was a fairly comfortable win, especially considering the fact that we had the 3-0 win from the previous game.
We took the lead almost half an hour into the game through Aaron Ramsey, who has been brilliant in recent games! Podolski produced a brilliant pass for the Welshman to fire past the 'keeper! Giroud had a couple of chances as well before the first half was over but we had to settle for a one goal lead going into half time.
Early on in the second half Podolski was stretchered off with a hamstring injury and is expected to be out for quite some time. Walcott fired a free-kick onto the crossbar before Aaron Ramsey was at it again, doubling our lead through a classy strike following a brilliant cross by Gibbs. Miyachi was introduced towards the end and showed some quick feet and good passes before the game was over!
So with this we made it into the group stage, as we have consistently for many years, of the Champions League!
Injury Update:
- Koscielny was fit enough to start on the bench for this game.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Fenerbahce vs. Arsenal
0-3, Champions League, Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, 21.08.2013
Gibbs 51,
Ramsey 64,
Giroud 77
A strong performance was needed, not only to qualify for the Champions League, but also to put the Villa game truly behind us. And a strong performance was on display.
Right from the start one could tell that this would be a game more to our liking as we had a lot of possession and put a lot of pressure on Fenerbahce. The game was a bit more cautious initially, though. We had our first chance after five minutes when Wilshere played Walcott in, but the cross was blocked into a corner. After approximately twenty minutes Cazorla played a brilliant ball to Walcott, unfortunately the 'keeper beat him to the ball. We quickly won the ball back, however, and Giroud ended the offensive with a header that went just wide. Then Ramsey fired wide before Koscielny received a severe kick to the head, leaving him bleeding heavily and unable to continue the game. The amount of situations where our players have been left bleeding has been quite unreal, Szczesny received a scratch on the neck later on in this game, also resulting in blood (although quite lightly compared to Koscielny, and Gibbs from the previous game). Anyway, Jenkinson was brought on and Sagna moved to cover as centre-half (which he has been doing during pre-season).
Before the end of the half we put more pressure on Fenerbahce, sadly without it resulting in a goal, though.
It was the second half that provided all the action, goalscoring wise. Merely six minutes into the half we got our lead, through none other than Kieran Gibbs! Walcott provided a great cross across the goal (Ramsey had, in turn, provided the amazing pass to Walcott) for the full-back to reach and score from! It was a wonderful finish from the Englishman and it is certainly not every day that we get to see it.
Gibbs 51,
Ramsey 64,
Giroud 77
A strong performance was needed, not only to qualify for the Champions League, but also to put the Villa game truly behind us. And a strong performance was on display.
Right from the start one could tell that this would be a game more to our liking as we had a lot of possession and put a lot of pressure on Fenerbahce. The game was a bit more cautious initially, though. We had our first chance after five minutes when Wilshere played Walcott in, but the cross was blocked into a corner. After approximately twenty minutes Cazorla played a brilliant ball to Walcott, unfortunately the 'keeper beat him to the ball. We quickly won the ball back, however, and Giroud ended the offensive with a header that went just wide. Then Ramsey fired wide before Koscielny received a severe kick to the head, leaving him bleeding heavily and unable to continue the game. The amount of situations where our players have been left bleeding has been quite unreal, Szczesny received a scratch on the neck later on in this game, also resulting in blood (although quite lightly compared to Koscielny, and Gibbs from the previous game). Anyway, Jenkinson was brought on and Sagna moved to cover as centre-half (which he has been doing during pre-season).
Before the end of the half we put more pressure on Fenerbahce, sadly without it resulting in a goal, though.
It was the second half that provided all the action, goalscoring wise. Merely six minutes into the half we got our lead, through none other than Kieran Gibbs! Walcott provided a great cross across the goal (Ramsey had, in turn, provided the amazing pass to Walcott) for the full-back to reach and score from! It was a wonderful finish from the Englishman and it is certainly not every day that we get to see it.
The following minute or so Walcott almost doubled our lead as he attempted to chip the ball over the 'keeper after a brilliant move by Wilshere, unfortunately the 'keeper made the save, though. Then Szczesny had to make an astounding save with his left, resulting in the scratch on his neck as mentioned previously.
Approximately twenty minutes into the half we more or less sealed the game as Aaron Ramsey fired a powerful shot from outside the 18-yard-box that was steered in by the post by the 'keeper! The Welshman was brilliant in this game (not only due to his goal) and it is very encouraging for us.
Sow had a two decent chances to equalize the game, though, but on both occasions he headed/shot over the bar. Just after those two chances it was Walcott's turn to fire over the bar, only to be brought down harshly in the box two minutes later and rightfully get a penalty. Cool as you like, Olivier Giroud scored from the penalty spot with a strike that hit the goal's ceiling.
That more or less wrapped the game up, Szczesny had to make two saves before the game was over and in the very last minute Jenkinson had a shot over the bar, but a 3-0 victory away was definitely good enough.
Approximately twenty minutes into the half we more or less sealed the game as Aaron Ramsey fired a powerful shot from outside the 18-yard-box that was steered in by the post by the 'keeper! The Welshman was brilliant in this game (not only due to his goal) and it is very encouraging for us.
Sow had a two decent chances to equalize the game, though, but on both occasions he headed/shot over the bar. Just after those two chances it was Walcott's turn to fire over the bar, only to be brought down harshly in the box two minutes later and rightfully get a penalty. Cool as you like, Olivier Giroud scored from the penalty spot with a strike that hit the goal's ceiling.
That more or less wrapped the game up, Szczesny had to make two saves before the game was over and in the very last minute Jenkinson had a shot over the bar, but a 3-0 victory away was definitely good enough.
So I dare say that we will qualify for the Champions League, yet again, as I cannot see how Fenerbahce would beat us by such a margin at the Emirates. Nevertheless, in football everything can happen so it is important to remember that the game is not over yet!
Injury Update:
- Oxlade-Chamberlain is out for approximately three months following the Villa game.
- Gibbs and Sagna both made it back for this game, fortunately.
- It is not yet confirmed how serious Koscielny's injury is, but it looked quite bad and he had to go to the hospital.
- It is not yet confirmed how serious Koscielny's injury is, but it looked quite bad and he had to go to the hospital.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal
2-0, Champions League, Allianz Arena, 2013-03-13
Giroud 3,
Koscielny 86
A tie that was thought already settled turned out to be rather unsettled as we came immensely close to qualifying for the next round even though we'd lost quite severely at home. I have to admit that I did not think that we would manage to turn the game around, until about three minutes into the game, that is!
When we scored right at the start of the game I did not believe my eyes, it seemed as if it was a dream. Walcott was released down the right-hand side and provided a brilliant cross that was met by Olivier Giroud and the Frenchman smashed the ball into the back of the net from close range! And so it was that what had seemed unlikely had occurred, we were somehow back in the tie! However, after the goal Bayern Munich slowly took over the game and were a constant threat. Yet our defence held firm, even with the absence of both Vermaelen and Szczesny. It took approximately thirty minutes before we had another half-decent chance, as Walcott provided a cross similar to the one that Giroud had scored from, but this time there was no team-mate who managed to reach it.
Right at the start of the second half Bayern Munich put further pressure on us and we had to settle with some counter-attacks. Walcott was ruled offside when he was actually onside and what made the situation even more disappointing was that he had got himself a truly good chance to score.
As mentioned, Bayern Munich remained a constant threat and Fabianski made a brilliant save in a one-on-one situation with Robben with twenty minutes of the game to go. With ten minutes to go Gervinho put the ball just wide of the goal as Cazorla provided an amazing pass. Then chaos erupted as we put the goal into the back of the net for the second time, this time through Laurent Koscielny! There were some truly unbelievable scenes at the Allianz Arena as we only needed one more goal to knock Bayern Munich out of the Champions League at their own turf!
Unfortunately the goal came too late for us and we found ourselves knocked out due to the away goal rule. However, we can be truly proud of our team, it is not every week that you beat Bayern Munich 2-0 at the Allianz Arena! We always seem to produce the best results when we've already been written off, sadly for two years in a row that has not been enough as we have been one goal away from qualifying for the next round in the Champions League. Now all that is left for us is that fourth place in the league, hopefully we can manage that at least!
Injury Update:
- Both Wilshere and Podolski missed out on this game, but they should not be away for a very long time.
- Szczesny did not feature in this game for some reason, he was replaced by Fabianski.
- Vermaelen was also mysteriously absent from this game.
Giroud 3,
Koscielny 86
A tie that was thought already settled turned out to be rather unsettled as we came immensely close to qualifying for the next round even though we'd lost quite severely at home. I have to admit that I did not think that we would manage to turn the game around, until about three minutes into the game, that is!
When we scored right at the start of the game I did not believe my eyes, it seemed as if it was a dream. Walcott was released down the right-hand side and provided a brilliant cross that was met by Olivier Giroud and the Frenchman smashed the ball into the back of the net from close range! And so it was that what had seemed unlikely had occurred, we were somehow back in the tie! However, after the goal Bayern Munich slowly took over the game and were a constant threat. Yet our defence held firm, even with the absence of both Vermaelen and Szczesny. It took approximately thirty minutes before we had another half-decent chance, as Walcott provided a cross similar to the one that Giroud had scored from, but this time there was no team-mate who managed to reach it.
Right at the start of the second half Bayern Munich put further pressure on us and we had to settle with some counter-attacks. Walcott was ruled offside when he was actually onside and what made the situation even more disappointing was that he had got himself a truly good chance to score.
As mentioned, Bayern Munich remained a constant threat and Fabianski made a brilliant save in a one-on-one situation with Robben with twenty minutes of the game to go. With ten minutes to go Gervinho put the ball just wide of the goal as Cazorla provided an amazing pass. Then chaos erupted as we put the goal into the back of the net for the second time, this time through Laurent Koscielny! There were some truly unbelievable scenes at the Allianz Arena as we only needed one more goal to knock Bayern Munich out of the Champions League at their own turf!
Unfortunately the goal came too late for us and we found ourselves knocked out due to the away goal rule. However, we can be truly proud of our team, it is not every week that you beat Bayern Munich 2-0 at the Allianz Arena! We always seem to produce the best results when we've already been written off, sadly for two years in a row that has not been enough as we have been one goal away from qualifying for the next round in the Champions League. Now all that is left for us is that fourth place in the league, hopefully we can manage that at least!
Injury Update:
- Both Wilshere and Podolski missed out on this game, but they should not be away for a very long time.
- Szczesny did not feature in this game for some reason, he was replaced by Fabianski.
- Vermaelen was also mysteriously absent from this game.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich
1-3, Champions League, Emirates Stadium, 2013-02-19
Podolski 55
Well... The scoreline pretty much says it all. Obviously Bayern Munich is one of the best teams in Europe and there is certainly no shame in a defeat against such an opponent, but that does not mean that it is any less disappointing. What makes the defeat worse is the fact that we were so close to making it 2-2, which would have been meant that we were truly back in the tie, but instead we conceded another goal that more or less killed the game.
We had a positive start to the first half, with Cazorla released down the right-hand side. Unfortunately his cross did not find Walcott in the box and then Walcott failed to find Podolski with a cross of his own. After those initial five minutes the game slipped from our hands and Bayern Munich had a two-goal lead within the first twenty minutes. Our defence was not at its best, we missed a clearance for the first goal and then we failed at getting the ball clear from the box after a corner for the second goal. Before the end of half we did have some chances, but they were all blocked by defenders. Mertesacker had a shot blocked when he found a pocket of space following a free-kick and then Walcott had another shot, also blocked.
In the second half we looked like a team changed (sounds familiar?) and within ten minutes we pulled a goal back! A severe mistake was made in the German defence as neither defender nor keeper went for the ball as we had a corner, and Lukas Podolski (former Bayern Munich player) could head the ball into the back of the net! As mentioned above, we got really close to finding the equaliser. With twenty minutes left Podolski had a shot cleared right in front of the goal, but the best chance we had came when Walcott's brilliant cross found Giroud in the box, but the Frenchman's powerful shot was saved by Neuer. Eventually we conceded yet another goal which killed the game, and (yet again) it came through a failure at getting the ball away from the goal. The last chance we created was a shot that Wilshere had on target, but it was saved by Neuer.
Clearly we have our work cut out for us for the return leg in Munich. It seems unlikely that we will qualify now, however, but hopefully we'll put up a good fight at least! For now, though, we need to focus on getting back on track in the league, which we hopefully will against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Injury Update:
- Gibbs still injured, and with Santos out on loan and Monreal ineligible to play for us in the Champions League, Vermaelen was moved out to the left in the defence.
Podolski 55
Well... The scoreline pretty much says it all. Obviously Bayern Munich is one of the best teams in Europe and there is certainly no shame in a defeat against such an opponent, but that does not mean that it is any less disappointing. What makes the defeat worse is the fact that we were so close to making it 2-2, which would have been meant that we were truly back in the tie, but instead we conceded another goal that more or less killed the game.
We had a positive start to the first half, with Cazorla released down the right-hand side. Unfortunately his cross did not find Walcott in the box and then Walcott failed to find Podolski with a cross of his own. After those initial five minutes the game slipped from our hands and Bayern Munich had a two-goal lead within the first twenty minutes. Our defence was not at its best, we missed a clearance for the first goal and then we failed at getting the ball clear from the box after a corner for the second goal. Before the end of half we did have some chances, but they were all blocked by defenders. Mertesacker had a shot blocked when he found a pocket of space following a free-kick and then Walcott had another shot, also blocked.
In the second half we looked like a team changed (sounds familiar?) and within ten minutes we pulled a goal back! A severe mistake was made in the German defence as neither defender nor keeper went for the ball as we had a corner, and Lukas Podolski (former Bayern Munich player) could head the ball into the back of the net! As mentioned above, we got really close to finding the equaliser. With twenty minutes left Podolski had a shot cleared right in front of the goal, but the best chance we had came when Walcott's brilliant cross found Giroud in the box, but the Frenchman's powerful shot was saved by Neuer. Eventually we conceded yet another goal which killed the game, and (yet again) it came through a failure at getting the ball away from the goal. The last chance we created was a shot that Wilshere had on target, but it was saved by Neuer.
Clearly we have our work cut out for us for the return leg in Munich. It seems unlikely that we will qualify now, however, but hopefully we'll put up a good fight at least! For now, though, we need to focus on getting back on track in the league, which we hopefully will against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Injury Update:
- Gibbs still injured, and with Santos out on loan and Monreal ineligible to play for us in the Champions League, Vermaelen was moved out to the left in the defence.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Champions League Last 16 Draw
We have been drawn against Bayern Munich for the first knock-out stage of the Champions League. It goes without saying that this is some really tough opponents but it's not over till it's over and we can definitely beat them as long as we come together as a team!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Olympiacos vs. Arsenal
1-2, Champions League, Karaiskakis Stadium, 2012-12-04
Rosicky 38
Fortunately we had already qualified for the knock-out stages ahead of this game, so it was not a game that we had to win. However, it is always immensely disappointing when you lead at half-time and then end up losing the game.
Olympiacos started the game better and came close to scoring after about ten minutes. Then Ramsey had a golden opportunity to score when Oxlade-Chamberlain crossed the ball into the box and Chamakh headed it down, but Ramsey misjudged the ball and did not get a shot away. After about twenty minutes Szczesny made a great save on the goal-line and was called into action several times in the minutes to come. Even though we never looked very likely to score we somehow managed to do it! Gervinho played a brilliant pass back to Tomas Rosicky, whose shot was placed right by the post, impossible to save!
We completely failed to show up for the second half, leading to a complete turnaround of the scoreline. Olympiacos equalized about twenty minutes into the half, minutes later they had a header just wide of the goal and three minutes after that they took the lead.
Even though this game was not the most important of games and a lot of the players were rested, I am concerned. We have not played well in the past couple of games (as the results definitely indicates) and I really cannot see us winning any game, no matter the opposition, if we continue this trend. We look uninspired and tired for the majority of the games, our amazing passing system seems like a long, lost memory.
Injury Update:
- Rosicky started this game and looked really good, he will hopefully be back in full-fitness soon!
Rosicky 38
Fortunately we had already qualified for the knock-out stages ahead of this game, so it was not a game that we had to win. However, it is always immensely disappointing when you lead at half-time and then end up losing the game.
Olympiacos started the game better and came close to scoring after about ten minutes. Then Ramsey had a golden opportunity to score when Oxlade-Chamberlain crossed the ball into the box and Chamakh headed it down, but Ramsey misjudged the ball and did not get a shot away. After about twenty minutes Szczesny made a great save on the goal-line and was called into action several times in the minutes to come. Even though we never looked very likely to score we somehow managed to do it! Gervinho played a brilliant pass back to Tomas Rosicky, whose shot was placed right by the post, impossible to save!
We completely failed to show up for the second half, leading to a complete turnaround of the scoreline. Olympiacos equalized about twenty minutes into the half, minutes later they had a header just wide of the goal and three minutes after that they took the lead.
Even though this game was not the most important of games and a lot of the players were rested, I am concerned. We have not played well in the past couple of games (as the results definitely indicates) and I really cannot see us winning any game, no matter the opposition, if we continue this trend. We look uninspired and tired for the majority of the games, our amazing passing system seems like a long, lost memory.
Injury Update:
- Rosicky started this game and looked really good, he will hopefully be back in full-fitness soon!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Arsenal vs. Montpellier
2-0, Champions League, Emirates Stadium, 2012-11-21
Wilshere 49,
Podolski 63
It was rather vital for us to win this game, and win it we did!
After a slow start to the game we grew into the game and ended the half by far the better side, even though we failed to break the deadlock. Our best chance of the first half came after ten minutes when Koscielny (of all people) fired a sizzling shot that hit the crossbar. About midway through the half Giroud had a shot that went wide and Oxlade-Chamberlain's shot was saved by the 'keeper. After approximately half an hour Koscielny got into a shooting position again, he fired wide this time around, though. As the half drew to a close Podolski had two shots within two minutes, the first after a brilliant run by Wilshere and the second after playing a one-two with Cazorla, unfortunately both shots went wide. It was frustrating for us to fail at taking advantage of all the chances we had, but fortunately a game is played over two halves.
We started the second half by succeeding in what we failed at in the first half, namely scoring! After four minutes Vermaelen crossed the ball into the box where Giroud headed the ball down for Jack Wilshere to score from! I cannot think of anyone who would have deserved that goal more than Jack, after seventeen months on the sideline the young Englishman is well and truly back. Before long we found the back of the net again, in quite some style. Yet again it was Giroud who set the goal up, but tons of credit to Lukas Podolski for his finish, he volleyed the ball home! A truly magnificent strike! Cazorla nearly scored himself with fifteen minutes to go, but his shot was tipped over the bar by the 'keeper. With ten minutes to go Giroud almost scored a goal of his own, however, yet again the Montpellier 'keeper proved his worth with a fine save. Just a couple of minutes later Arteta had a free kick that went just wide of the goal, it seemed as though we were not meant to score a third goal this evening.
With this result our prospect of qualifying for the knock-out stage of the Champions League is certain since Schalke won against Olympiacos! The only bad news is that it means that we will finish in second place, but it is not as though we could have expected to finish top of the group after that home game against Schalke.
Injury Update:
- Walcott missed out on this game due to a short-term shoulder injury.
Wilshere 49,
Podolski 63
It was rather vital for us to win this game, and win it we did!
After a slow start to the game we grew into the game and ended the half by far the better side, even though we failed to break the deadlock. Our best chance of the first half came after ten minutes when Koscielny (of all people) fired a sizzling shot that hit the crossbar. About midway through the half Giroud had a shot that went wide and Oxlade-Chamberlain's shot was saved by the 'keeper. After approximately half an hour Koscielny got into a shooting position again, he fired wide this time around, though. As the half drew to a close Podolski had two shots within two minutes, the first after a brilliant run by Wilshere and the second after playing a one-two with Cazorla, unfortunately both shots went wide. It was frustrating for us to fail at taking advantage of all the chances we had, but fortunately a game is played over two halves.
We started the second half by succeeding in what we failed at in the first half, namely scoring! After four minutes Vermaelen crossed the ball into the box where Giroud headed the ball down for Jack Wilshere to score from! I cannot think of anyone who would have deserved that goal more than Jack, after seventeen months on the sideline the young Englishman is well and truly back. Before long we found the back of the net again, in quite some style. Yet again it was Giroud who set the goal up, but tons of credit to Lukas Podolski for his finish, he volleyed the ball home! A truly magnificent strike! Cazorla nearly scored himself with fifteen minutes to go, but his shot was tipped over the bar by the 'keeper. With ten minutes to go Giroud almost scored a goal of his own, however, yet again the Montpellier 'keeper proved his worth with a fine save. Just a couple of minutes later Arteta had a free kick that went just wide of the goal, it seemed as though we were not meant to score a third goal this evening.
With this result our prospect of qualifying for the knock-out stage of the Champions League is certain since Schalke won against Olympiacos! The only bad news is that it means that we will finish in second place, but it is not as though we could have expected to finish top of the group after that home game against Schalke.
Injury Update:
- Walcott missed out on this game due to a short-term shoulder injury.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Schalke 04 vs. Arsenal
2-2, Champions League, Veltins Arena, 2012-11-06
Walcott 18,
Giroud 26
We were ruthlessly efficient in the first half of this vital game and it looked as though we would grab those three, very important, points. Unfortunately we did not manage to hold onto the lead and had to settle for just the one point..
Schalke had a much stronger start, yet suddenly we found ourselves ahead in the eighteenth minute! Giroud was released down the centre (from an offside position) and when he was brought down in the box Theo Walcott popped up to pick up the ball and put it in the back of the net! The young Englishman has had quite some success up front recently, last week he scored a hat-trick against Reading in the Capital One Cup and then he opened the scoring for us in this game!
Our new French striker may have failed at scoring when Theo succeeded, but he got his chance to redeem missing out on that one. Olivier Giroud provided a powerful header to score from Podolski's cross less than ten minutes later!
The rest of the first half showcased chances for both sides, Giroud had another decent header towards the end of the half and Schalke had a shot that went just over the bar, before disaster struck in the very last of the added minutes. Huntelaar pulled one back for Schalke and our cushion was gone.
The second half started with another good chance for Giroud, but unfortunately his shot ended up next to the goal rather than in the goal. The pace of the game slowed down significantly in the second half, yet things heated up on the pitch when the ref decided to blow the whistle for an injury when we had a golden opportunity to score and Podolski even received a booking for his objections. Not long after that Vermaelen scored an own goal and those vital three points suddenly seemed very far away. Walcott had the chance to win us the game in the last minute, but unfortunately his shot was saved and we had to settle for the one point.
It is obviously disappointing for us to drop a 2-0 lead, especially when those three points could have ensured a top place in the group. Now we will most likely end up as runners-up, if we can get our act together and win the last games! Fingers crossed for that and a good ending to this group stage.
Injury Update;
- Ramsey picked up a slight injury ahead of this game and was therefore not involved this evening.
Walcott 18,
Giroud 26
We were ruthlessly efficient in the first half of this vital game and it looked as though we would grab those three, very important, points. Unfortunately we did not manage to hold onto the lead and had to settle for just the one point..
Schalke had a much stronger start, yet suddenly we found ourselves ahead in the eighteenth minute! Giroud was released down the centre (from an offside position) and when he was brought down in the box Theo Walcott popped up to pick up the ball and put it in the back of the net! The young Englishman has had quite some success up front recently, last week he scored a hat-trick against Reading in the Capital One Cup and then he opened the scoring for us in this game!
Our new French striker may have failed at scoring when Theo succeeded, but he got his chance to redeem missing out on that one. Olivier Giroud provided a powerful header to score from Podolski's cross less than ten minutes later!
The rest of the first half showcased chances for both sides, Giroud had another decent header towards the end of the half and Schalke had a shot that went just over the bar, before disaster struck in the very last of the added minutes. Huntelaar pulled one back for Schalke and our cushion was gone.
The second half started with another good chance for Giroud, but unfortunately his shot ended up next to the goal rather than in the goal. The pace of the game slowed down significantly in the second half, yet things heated up on the pitch when the ref decided to blow the whistle for an injury when we had a golden opportunity to score and Podolski even received a booking for his objections. Not long after that Vermaelen scored an own goal and those vital three points suddenly seemed very far away. Walcott had the chance to win us the game in the last minute, but unfortunately his shot was saved and we had to settle for the one point.
It is obviously disappointing for us to drop a 2-0 lead, especially when those three points could have ensured a top place in the group. Now we will most likely end up as runners-up, if we can get our act together and win the last games! Fingers crossed for that and a good ending to this group stage.
Injury Update;
- Ramsey picked up a slight injury ahead of this game and was therefore not involved this evening.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Arsenal vs. Schalke 04
0-2, Champions League, Emirates Stadium, 2012-10-24
As the result might show, we did not manage to up our game from the weekend. We looked flat throughout the entire game, need I say any more than the fact that we did not have a single shot at target during the entire game..?
Schalke had a penalty shout in the first half, and we had one in the second, yet both 'divers' were only awarded with a yellow from the (Swedish) referee. We lost the game late on in the second half when Huntelaar scored and not long after that goal they scored another as we had taken off Jenkinson to provide some further attacking force.
There is literally no positive that I can see from this game, so let's just do like the players constantly says after these losses, look ahead to the next game! We will play QPR at home on Saturday, which ought to be interesting...
Injury Update;
- the following players are reportedly not far from returning from injury: Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere, Sagna and Gibbs. Meanwhile, Rosicky, Szczesny and Diaby are a few weeks away.
As the result might show, we did not manage to up our game from the weekend. We looked flat throughout the entire game, need I say any more than the fact that we did not have a single shot at target during the entire game..?
Schalke had a penalty shout in the first half, and we had one in the second, yet both 'divers' were only awarded with a yellow from the (Swedish) referee. We lost the game late on in the second half when Huntelaar scored and not long after that goal they scored another as we had taken off Jenkinson to provide some further attacking force.
There is literally no positive that I can see from this game, so let's just do like the players constantly says after these losses, look ahead to the next game! We will play QPR at home on Saturday, which ought to be interesting...
Injury Update;
- the following players are reportedly not far from returning from injury: Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere, Sagna and Gibbs. Meanwhile, Rosicky, Szczesny and Diaby are a few weeks away.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Arsenal vs. Olympiacos
3-1, Champions League, Emirates, 2012.10.03
Gervinho 42,
Podolski 56,
Ramsey 90
What started off as a nervy and insecure game on our part ended in triumph! Where the first half definitely was Olympiacos' half, the second half was ours beyond a shadow of a doubt, it showed great mental strength to turn the game around as drastically as we did in the second half and that gained us three very important points!
As mentioned, the first half was no good half for us. Olympiacos were disciplined in their defence and we struggled to find any chances to score whereas they had several good chances from catching us on the break. The first forty-five minutes seemed to end in grand style when Gervinho fired a precise shot that was just out of the goalkeeper's reach! We got really lucky in that situation, as Arteta attempted to meet Podolski's cross, but failed at that and somehow the ball ended up at the feet of the Ivorian striker. However, the joy was short-lived as Olympiacos equalized mere minutes later from an opportunity that should have been dealt with by our centre-halves, who flanked the striker on both sides. A major disappointment yet Bould (Wenger will be back from suspension for the away game against Schalke) must have given some half-time talk because the team looked changed in the second half!
It was brilliant to see this "new" team! We found the flair from earlier in the season and played the game like it should be played. It goes without saying that we found the back of the net before long; and it was our new German striker who bagged his fourth goal in his eight appearance for the club! Lukas Podolski met Gervinho's cross in a crowded area but still managed to release a powerful shot that went below the 'keeper and into the goal!
To think that that settled the game would be a grave mistake. Olympiacos maintained their good play and we were far from certain of victory until the very last minute when Aaron Ramsey broke free from the defence (thanks to a brilliant header by Giroud) and cheekily chipped the ball past the 'keeper!
This leaves us in a great position, with two victories in the first two games. But we must be aware of the fact that Schalke have won both of their games as well, so the next game will be vital to win!
Injury Update;
- Diaby will be gone for about three weeks from an injury he picked up against Chelsea.
- Sagna and Wilshere are both getting close to a return to the first-team!
Gervinho 42,
Podolski 56,
Ramsey 90
What started off as a nervy and insecure game on our part ended in triumph! Where the first half definitely was Olympiacos' half, the second half was ours beyond a shadow of a doubt, it showed great mental strength to turn the game around as drastically as we did in the second half and that gained us three very important points!
As mentioned, the first half was no good half for us. Olympiacos were disciplined in their defence and we struggled to find any chances to score whereas they had several good chances from catching us on the break. The first forty-five minutes seemed to end in grand style when Gervinho fired a precise shot that was just out of the goalkeeper's reach! We got really lucky in that situation, as Arteta attempted to meet Podolski's cross, but failed at that and somehow the ball ended up at the feet of the Ivorian striker. However, the joy was short-lived as Olympiacos equalized mere minutes later from an opportunity that should have been dealt with by our centre-halves, who flanked the striker on both sides. A major disappointment yet Bould (Wenger will be back from suspension for the away game against Schalke) must have given some half-time talk because the team looked changed in the second half!
It was brilliant to see this "new" team! We found the flair from earlier in the season and played the game like it should be played. It goes without saying that we found the back of the net before long; and it was our new German striker who bagged his fourth goal in his eight appearance for the club! Lukas Podolski met Gervinho's cross in a crowded area but still managed to release a powerful shot that went below the 'keeper and into the goal!
To think that that settled the game would be a grave mistake. Olympiacos maintained their good play and we were far from certain of victory until the very last minute when Aaron Ramsey broke free from the defence (thanks to a brilliant header by Giroud) and cheekily chipped the ball past the 'keeper!
This leaves us in a great position, with two victories in the first two games. But we must be aware of the fact that Schalke have won both of their games as well, so the next game will be vital to win!
Injury Update;
- Diaby will be gone for about three weeks from an injury he picked up against Chelsea.
- Sagna and Wilshere are both getting close to a return to the first-team!
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